The full service radio format consists of a wide range of programming. Mostly found on the AM band, the format can be found on a handful of FM stations. It is popular mainly among smaller, local stations in rural areas not owned by major broadcasting conglomerates.
Programming generally heard on full service stations can include:
Since the full-service format is traditionally confined to AM and rural listeners, oldies/classic hits, adult standards and classic country tend to form the basis of most music rotations on these stations. Full service stations tend to have somewhat more of a freeform playlist, allowing disc jockeys to play favorite tunes, and as such, album cuts, B-sides, "forgotten 45s," local bands and lesser-known performers and songs can see more air time on a full-service station than on most other commercial formats. Depending on the ethnic composition of the station's coverage area and/or ownership and management, at least a portion of a full-service station's weekend programming is often set aside for ethnic music programming such as polka, Italian music, native American music, or Celtic music, almost always by a local host. These ethnic shows often play on Sunday morning for listeners on their way to church.
Full service is not one of the formats defined by Arbitron; in most cases, full-service stations are usually listed under the blanket category of "variety."